February 2016

Issue: Volume 1 Issue 2

There is a hole in project financing in the Gulf that is driving GCC countries to seek alternative forms of funding – and Islamic structures could be the ideal option to fill the gap. With oil prices remaining close to rock bottom

Securitization has had its fair share of negative headlines, primarily due to its role in contributing to the financial crisis of 2008 in the US mortgage-backed securities space. However, under an Islamic structure the securitization process can offer an appealing method to

Each issue, IFN Corporate brings you a simple, straightforward and uncomplicated explanation of an available Islamic retail product that can be of use to individuals and corporates in their daily commercial functions. This month, we explore the Islamic options for foreign exchange

Islamic lease finance offers an effective and practical financing tool to obtain fixed assets such as equipment, machinery, vehicles and even property through a straightforward rental process. IFN Corporate explains the way. An Islamic leasing contract is based on the concept of

The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) is a supranational body based in Malaysia that issues global standards to guide and advise the Islamic financial services industry. To date it has published 17 Standards and six Guidance Notes. IFSB-3, issued in December 2006,

One of the pioneering markets for Islamic finance and with a thriving and vibrant industry supported against the odds by its regulatory authorities, Pakistan has nevertheless seen growth lag behind the opportunities available. In recent months the country has made valiant efforts

On the 14th February Jordan’s national flag carrier, Royal Jordanian Airline, successfully closed a US$275 million dual tranche conventional and Islamic loan facility to become the latest airline to tap the liquidity in the Islamic market – with an overwhelming response highlighting

In the current climate of increasingly expensive bank financing, Omani business conglomerate Services & Trade (S&T Group) took its funding needs to the Islamic market this week with the successful closure of a US$50 million Shariah compliant structured financing facility from Bank

Last month Scientex Quatari, a Malaysian property investment and development firm wholly owned by global packaging manufacturer Scientex, tapped the Malaysian Sukuk market for the first time to raise RM150 million (US$35.93 million) in Islamic bonds – in a deal that demonstrates

Last year, Vodafone Qatar became the first non-finance firm in the GCC region to go fully Shariah compliant. IFN Corporate brings you a fascinating insight from CFO Steve Walters on the importance of technology and transformation and the role Islamic finance can

CORPORATE US$50 million financing for Hydrocarbon Finder OMAN: Independent oil & gas exploration and production company Hydroarbon Finder (HCF), part of Oman’s S&T Group, on the 10th February signed an agreement with Bank Nizwa for a US$50 million Shariah compliant structured financing

Oman’s Islamic banking and finance sector has experienced rapid growth and development since the introduction of the Islamic Banking Regulatory Framework (IBRF) three years ago. The IBRF provides a robust Shariah governance framework which is one of the most comprehensive in existence